Dirt along the grout lines in the bathroom is a problem that bothers housewives because the longer it is left, the more dirt accumulates and the harder it is to clean. Typically, grout lines are formed from a mixture of sand, cement, and water. Most grout lines are white, but some houses choose to use different colors.
Wherever there is grout, on the bathroom floor or on the bathroom walls, it will absorb water and then mold can appear. To keep the bathroom grout from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, the most important thing is to keep the bathroom clean and dry. Here are some measures to protect the grout lines from mold attacks.
1. Dry the bathroom after each use
Keep the bathroom dry by using a mop, cloth, or towel to dry, or if the bathroom has a ventilation fan, turn it on for air circulation. If you do not keep the bathroom dry, the grout in the bathroom will absorb moisture and be attacked by mold after a short time.
2. Clean the bathroom and scrub the grout lines weekly
You can use a neutral pH cleaning agent to clean the bathroom and scrub the grout lines.
3. Apply fresh grout annually
To prevent bacteria and dirt, especially mold, from sticking to the grout lines, you should apply a layer of grout sealer to the old layer once a year.
In case the grout is attacked by mold
When the grout has mold spots, you can apply one of the following methods to clean:
– Use baking soda
Baking soda is a popular and safe cleaning product trusted by everyone. Therefore, you can also apply it to whiten grout lines, with a ratio of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water, stir into a thick mixture. Then, apply the mixture to the surface of the grout lines, wait for 5 to 10 minutes for the baking soda to penetrate. Finally, use a brush to scrub the stains until the grout lines are clean.
– Use white vinegar
Vinegar is a readily available ingredient in every family and also has a cleaning effect on household cleaning. Combining vinegar and dish soap helps enhance the ability to whiten grout lines on tile floors. According to the recipe of 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap, mix the solution well and pour it into a spray bottle (if available). Then, spray or apply the solution to the surface of the grout lines that need cleaning, wait a few minutes for the solution to penetrate the grout. Finally, use a brush to scrub the stains and feel the effectiveness.
– Use lemon and salt
Lemon and salt are both acidic ingredients with cleaning and can be applied to clean grout lines on tile floors. You use lemon juice diluted with salt in a 1:1 ratio, add a little water and mix the mixture well. Then, apply the mixture to the grout lines that need whitening, wait from 10 to 15 minutes for the mixture to take effect, and use a cloth to wipe again.
– Use toothpaste
It sounds strange, but toothpaste contains whitening agents so we can apply them to clean grout lines. Apply toothpaste to a toothbrush and scrub the tile grout lines until they whiten. However, to increase the whitening ability, you can combine with vinegar or baking soda, create a thick mixture and use a brush to scrub as above, the result is surprising.
By An Nhiên – Vietnamnet